Odyssey International 2026: The Opening
The pages of literature came alive at the Goodwill Building as the 11th Odyssey International 2026 – International Literary Olympiad, organised by CMS Rajajipuram Campus I, brought together young writers, readers, performers, and creative thinkers from 43 schools across India and Nepal.
Held from 11th to 14th August 2026, the Olympiad explored the compelling theme, “Literature for a Lasting Earth: Scripting Sustainability One Story at a Time.” Around 500 national and international delegates were hosted at the CMS World Unity Convention Centre (WUCC), transforming the event into a vibrant and meaningful exchange of languages, cultures, perspectives, and creative ideas.
A Grand Opening
The four-day literary celebration was formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Mr Awanish Kumar Awasthi, IAS (Retd.), Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, with renowned folk singer and Padma Shri awardee Ms Malini Awasthi as the Guest of Honour.
CMS Founder-Director Dr Bharti Gandhi, CMS Managing Director Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, CMS President Dr Roger Kingdon, and Senior Principal of CMS Rajajipuram Campus I, Mrs Nisha Pandey welcomed the honoured dignitaries and eminent participants at the inaugural ceremony.
As part of the opening-day proceedings, the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour toured the campus and inaugurated the Dr Bharti Gandhi VIP Lounge along with newly upgraded facilities in the Pre-primary Block.
The campus also became a visual celebration of imagination, with an impressive student art exhibition showcasing young artistic talent. A specially curated book exhibition by Amar Chitra Katha added another dimension to the literary experience, inviting students to explore stories, history, culture and India’s rich storytelling traditions.
The Insightful Press Conference
During the press conference, participating students reflected on the power of literature and culture to shape social consciousness, inspire sustainable development and nurture a happier, more harmonious future.
Students from Apex School described it as a unique confluence of civilisations, cultures and ideas, while students of Motherland English Secondary Boarding School spoke of the opportunity to discover the cultures and civilisations of different countries. Students of Chaitanya Pathshala highlighted their aspiration to carry forward the messages of unity and peace. Indian participants from various schools reaffirmed the belief that literature can create bridges where borders once stood.
Thus, Odyssey International 2026 began with one powerful idea: ‘Stories can do more than entertain — they can make us think, connect and imagine a better world.’
